PhD Studentship in: Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) battery modelling for Electric Vehicles and Energy Storage Systems

Applications are invited for a research studentship in the field of Battery Electrochemistry, leading to the award of a PhD degree. The post is supported by a bursary and fees (at the UK student rate) provided by industrial funding. 

This PhD project will focus on lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries, with the aim to gain fundamental understanding on how they degrade under both battery energy stationary storage (BESS) and Electric Vehicle (EV) use cases. The increase in use of LFP is due to their lower raw material cost vs Nickel Manganese Cobalt cathodes (NMC) lithium-ion batteries, as well as LFP’s improved aging and safety profile vs NMC. However, LFP does have lower energy density and brings a unique set of challenges vs NMC, specifically around state of health and charge determination, as well as degradation mechanisms. The research will develop physics-based and distributed models able to reproduce the limiting degradation mechanisms of LFP cells and will be supported by extensive tests that will be designed and conducted to target such mechanisms. The PhD candidate will work closely with our industrial partner and to the research group members to answer the research questions, which are centered around creating knowledge to determine the thermal management requirements for optimal performance and aging of LFP batteries.

You will be an enthusiastic and self-motivated person who meets the academic requirements for enrolment for the PhD degree at Imperial College London. You will have a 1st class honours degree in mechanical engineering or a related subject, and an enquiring and rigorous approach to research together with a strong intellect and disciplined work habits. An interest in batteries and vehicle electrification is essential.  Good team-working, observational and communication skills are essential.

Although this funding is for UK only, highly competitive out of UK candidates are encouraged to submit their application, with the aim to receive support for funding applications including scholarships.

To find out more about research at Imperial College London in this area, go to:

https://www.imperial.ac.uk/mechanical-engineering/research/

For information on how to apply, go to:

http://www.imperial.ac.uk/mechanical-engineering/study/phd/how-to-apply/

For further details of the post contact Dr Monica Marinescu m.marinescu@imperial.ac.uk. Interested applicants should send an up-to-date curriculum vitae to electrochem.sci.eng.group@imperial.ac.uk. Suitable candidates will be required to complete an electronic application form at Imperial College London in order for their qualifications to be addressed by College Registry.

Closing date: until post filled